Cooling tower unit



Oct. 20, 1953 R, 0, AYRES COOLING TOWER UNIT Filed OC'Q. 8, 1951 1N VENTOR /Pols'E/W- @AW/P55,

u 'v ATTOR'EY Patented Oct. 20, 1953 UNITED STATES PTENT OFFICE COOLINGr TOWER UNIT Robert Ayres, Houston, Tex.

Application October 8, 1951, Serial No. 250,225

The present invention relates to heat transfer Aapparatus and pertains to what is known as cooling towers wherein liquid to be cooled ows downwardly within the tower over a grid or lattice structure whereby the liquid is dispersed and upward movement of air removes heat from the 'downward moving liquid. The invention more specincally pertains to the structural features of a unit for such cooling towers.

4 Claims. (Cl. 261-108) An object of the invention is to simplify the 'r structure of cooling 4towers so that the height and dimensions thereof may be readilyyaltered without alterations n the overall design and to provide a unitarydevice which may be handled `as a unit or as units' and thus moved to the place where the apparatus is to ybe erected'as a cooling tower. K Y

A more detailed object of the invention resides in the provision of a plurality of juxtaposed filler blades which may be arranged at right angles to each other to form a central lattice structure over which the liquid to be cooled is delivered and by means of which the liquid is eiciently distributed to provide intimate contact with the air in the cooling tower and to provide means for maintaining the filler blades in spaced relationship within a framework without the necessity of nailing or otherwise securing the ller blades and the spacing elements to each other. *Y o A' still further Object of the invention is to provide vertical spacing elements around the perimeter of a cooling tower unit which provide side walls for the cooling tower to prevent the escape of the downward moving liquid and at the same time to maintainthe interlacedfiller blades in erect and properly spaced relationship.

Other objects and features of the invention will be more apparent to those skilled in the art as the present disclosurerproceeds and upon consideration of the accompanying drawingand the following detailed description wherein an exemplary embodiment of the invention is disclosed. Y

In the drawing:`A

Y Fig. 1 is a perspective View partly in section Vshowing a cooling tower unit embodying the invention. n

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectionV of a side portion of the unit at the bottom vthereof and takenon the line 2--2 of Fig. 3. f 1 Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional planvview taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2. i f .'Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional plan view taken of. one corner of the cooling tower with the vertical spacerelements omitted.

A heat transfer device exhibiting the invention may be constructed of various types of material and when formed of wood the separate ele- Vments need not be finished and the frame and the'ller blades along with the spacer elements may be used as they are obtained from a saw mill. The cell structure of the cooling tower does not require any fastening elements so that a material saving in labor is attained and the apparatus when assembled forms a unit which may be moved to the point of installation `to further'avoid labor in the erection of a cooling tower which may consist of one or more of the units hereinafter described.

Referring to the drawing there is shown at it a frame element which forms a part of the base of the structure.` The member I0 may be regarded as a spacer carrier which may be of rectangular Cross section as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A groove I I is provided in the upper face of the frame member I and this groove extends throughout the length of this frame element. A similar frame member I4 is arranged along the other side of the structure to form another of the base elements. The frame member 'I4 is provided with a groove (not shown) similar in dimensions and arrangement to that indicated at II in connection with the frame member I0. `A frame member It is provided along the front of the apparatus and at the base of the structure as sho-wn in Fig. 1. A groove I1 is provided in the upper face of the member I6. This groove Il extends throughout the length of the frame member I6. The end portions ofthe frame member I6 may be secured to the abutting ends of the frame members I0 and I t in any suitable manner such as by means of spikes or cap screws I5. A frame member I8 is arranged along the base of the apparatus at the'rear thereof and this frame element is similar in shape and dimensions to the frame member I6. A groove 2t is arranged in the upper surface ofthe frame member I8 and this groove extends throughout the length thereof. The frame member I8 is secured to the abutting endsof the frame members Ill and I4 to complete a rectangular shaped base frame for the unit.

A post is provided at each corner of the ap'- paratus. One of such posts is shown at ZI. This post is substantially square in cross section and is secured to the inner faces of the frame members I 4 and I6 at the juncture of these elements and the post 2| extends vertically upward from the base frame. The structural characteristics ofthis portion of the apparatus -will be more clearly understood from a consideration of Fig. 4 wherein another and similar corner post 22 is secured to the inner faces of the frame members I6 and I6. The post 22 extends vertically upwardly from the base frame. A similar post 23 is secured in the rear corner of the apparatus and to the frame members I6 and I8 as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. A further corner post 24 is secured at its lower end to the frame members I4 andIS. All of the corner posts have a cross section which is smaller than the spaces between the filler blades hereinafter described and the corner posts have equal lengths corresponding to the intended height of the cooling tower unit.

A plurality of vertical spacer elements ,26 have frame member I6. These spacer elements 26 may be formed of boards having a thickness` slightly less than the width of the groove I1. The vertical spacer elements `2li may vary in width and have dimensions varying vfrom one inch to two or more inches so that the distance betweenthev side edges may be varied. A plurality of similar shaped vertical spacer elements 21 are arranged with their lower ends within the groove II of the frame member I6. The spacer elements 21 extend vertically upward and areprovided for the purpose of maintaining the ,llrer blades which extend in theopposite direc? tion inV properly spaced relationship. A group of similar shaped and dimensioned vertical spacer elements 28 have their lower ends seated within the groove 26 in the frame member I8 arranged along the rear of the apparatus as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Additional vertically disposed spacer elements of similar shape and construction are arranged in the groove provided in the top of the frame member I4 and extend upwardly there.- from. All of the-vertically disposed spacer elements may be formed of unfinished lumber and are of such length as to extend for the full in-4 tended height of the cooling tower unit.

A plurality of horizontally disposed filler blades 3I are arranged to extend transversely of the apparatus as shown in Fig. 1. The iiller blades 3'I constitute the rst or lower tier and the ends thereof extend into the spaces between the verti-` cal spacer elements 21 and similar spacer ele: ments extending upwardly from the frame mem.- ber I4. The filler blade 3Ia at the front of the apparatus lies in fase-to-face engagement with the inner surfaces .of the vspacer elements .26.. and also rest on the upper surface. of the frame. member I6 inside the groove I1. The opposite ends of the Afront filler blade Sla. extend outside the cerner pests 2l and 22 as will be apparent from a QQnSderatOll 0f Fg- 4- Tllus the spaces .32 between the spacer elements 26 are virtually closed by the ller blade 31a. lying along the inner faces of the spacer elements 26., The vrear-- mest 1111er blade 31h also lies outside the corner pests 23. and. 24 and close the .spaces between the vertical spacer elements 26.

The next course of filler blades is represented at 36 and these members extend at right angles to the rst course of filler blade 3l. The front ends 31 of the filler blades 36 extend into the spaces 32 betwpsn the vertical spacer elements 26. The rear ends of the ller blades 36 extend into the spaces between the vertical .spacer ele.- rnents 28. The outer face of the filler blade 36a Which @Xterlds @1011s. @ne Side. Qf the apparatus lies in engagement with Ythe inner faces. or the spacer elements 2.1A andsubstantially closes the spaces39between the. vertical spacer elements 21. A similar arrangement is provided along the opposite side of the cooling tower unit to substantially close the spaces between the vertical spacer elements which extend upwardly from the base frame member I4. Such a right angle disposition of the ller blades provides a cell structure which is continued upwardly to provide a cooling tower unit of the desired height. It will be appreciated that the vertical Spacer elements maintain the ller blades, in vertical positions and the alternate right angle disposition of the ller blades provide rectangular shaped openings-25 therebetween as the cell structure is viewed in plan in Fig. 3.

A frame member 46 is provided at the top of lille .cell structure along one side of the apparatus as shown in Fig. 1. This frame member is of similar construction to the frame member I0 and is provided with a groove 4I facing in a downwardly direction. The groove 4I is provided for receiving the upper ends of the vertical spacer elements 21. A similar frame member 44 is provided along the other side of the apparatus having a groove (not shown) in the lower face thereof for receiving the upper ends of the vertical spacer elements at the associated side of the cell. A frame member 46 is provided across the front of the apparatus at the top. rhe frame member 46 is provided with a groove 41 for receiving the upper ends of the spacer elements 2 6. The abutting ends of the frame elements 46 and44 may be secured to the frame member 46 in any suitable manner such as by large nails or screws 45. The post 2I is also secured in the corner between the adjacent ends of the frame members 44 and 46. The corner post 22 is secured to the frame members 46 and 46 at the confluence of these elements. A frame member 48 is arranged alongl the back of the apparatus at the top thereof. This frame member is provided with a groove 46 for receiving the upper ends of the vertical spacer elements 28. The frame member 48 may be secured to the abutting ends of the frame members 46 and 44 in any suitable manner. The corner posts 23 and 24 are secured respectively to thesev top frame members. The top course of the filler blades 36 extend under the frame members 46 and 46 as will be apparent from a consideration of Fig. ,1. Thus these ller blades are prevented from moving upwardly and the entire cell structure. is held an assembled relationship forming a unitary structure which may readily be moved to the. place Where the cooling tower is to be erected.

It will be appreciated that one of the units. may be employed as a heat transfer mechanism or a plurality of the unit, such as shown in Fig. 1, may be arranged in a stacked relationship to provide a cooling tower of a desired height. The liquid to be cooled is released at the upper end of the unit or the upper end of one of the cells when a stacked group of units are employed and the liquid moves downwardly over the filler blades. The liquid is distributed over the cell structure by reason of the right angle disposition of the iiller blades and the liquid is distributed Over the cell structure- The heat released causes an, upward movement of: the air which is in counter new to that. ef the movement of the liquid, Such arlv induced ydraft provides for the removal of heat from the presence of the liquid. The cooling tower may also be. provided with means for providing a forced'draft and upward movement of air through the tower.

It will be observed that the cell structure is maintained in proper assembled relationship as a unit without the necessity of nailing or otherwise securing the filler blades to each other or to the spacer elements or the framework. The vertical spacer elements are maintained in position without the necessity oi' nailing or securing these members to each other or to the frame. A unit may accordingly be assembled and erected by unskilled labor. The perimeter of the unit is substantially closed by means of the vertical spacer elements and the arrangement of the ller blades along the inner faces of the vertical spacer elements.

While the invention has been shown and described in connection with a particular structural arrangement it will be appreciated that changes may be made in the details as well as the general organization. Such modifications and others may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A cooling tower unit comprising, a base in- ,l

cluding four carrier members providing a rectangular shaped frame, each carrier member having a groove in the upper face thereof, a plurality of flat elongated vertically disposed spacer elements having their lower ends seated in said l grooves and extending upwardly therefrom, ller blades rectangular shaped in cross section horizontally disposed and arranged in parallel relationship and lying across opposite carrier members of the base frame with the ends of the ller blades extending between some of the spacer elements, ller blades rectangular shaped in cross section horizontally disposed and arranged in parallel relationship at right angles to the rst ller blades and supported thereon with the ends of the second group of filler blades extending between the spacer elements at the other sides of the base frame, an upper rectangular shaped frame having groovesl in the lower faces thereof for receiving the upper ends of said spacer elements, opposite side portions of said upper frame overlying ends of the ller blades, and means connecting the upper frame to the base frame.

2. In a cooling tower, a base frame including carrier members arranged at right angles to each other, said carrier members each having a groove in the upper surface thereof, a plurality of vertically disposed spacer elements having their lower ends seated in said grooves, a plurality of horizontally disposed filler blades arranged in parallel relationship and extending across the base frame with opposite ends thereof positioned between the spacer elements at opposite sides of the base frame, horizontally disposed filler blades arranged in parallel relationship above the rst filler blades and at right angles thereto and having their opposite ends extending between the spacer elements at opposite sides of the base frame, an upper frame including members arranged at right angles to each other and provided with grooves in the lower faces for receiving the upper ends of said spacer elements, opposite members of the upper frame resting on end portions of a top group of filler blades, and means tying the upper frame to the base frame.

3. In a cooling tower unit, a base frame including carrier members arranged at right angles to each other, said carrier members having a groove in the upper surface thereof, a series of vertically disposed spacer elements having their lower ends seated in said grooves, horizontally disposed filler blades arranged in parallel relationship and extending at opposite ends between the spacer elements at opposite sides of the base frame, horizontally disposed filler blades arranged in parallel relationship on the first filler blades and at right angles thereto and having their opposite ends extending between the spacer elements at opposite sides of the base frame, an upper frame including members arranged at right angles to each other and provided with grooves in the lower faces for receiving the upper ends of the spacer elements, opposite members of said upper frame overlying end portions of the filler blades, posts connecting the upper and lower frames at the corners thereof and arranged inside the members of said frames.

4. A cooling tower unit comprising, a base including four members providing a rectangular shaped frame, each member having a groove in the upper face thereof, a plurality of spacer elements having parallel side edges with their lower ends seated in said grooves and extending upwardly therefrom, filler blades horizontally disposed and arranged in parallel relationship and lying across two of said members at opposite sides of the base with ends of the filler blades extending between associated spacer elements, filler blades horizontally disposed and arranged in parallel relationship at right angles to the rst filler blades resting on the rst filler blades with the ends of the second filler blades extending between the spa-cer elements at the other sides of the base frame, an upper rectanglar shaped frame having grooves in the lower faces thereof for receiving the upper ends of said spacer elements, said upper frame overlying ends of the ller blades, corner posts connecting the upper frame to the base frame, and the filler blades along the sides of the unit lying outside said corner posts.

ROBERT O. AYRES.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 594,440 Stocker Nov. 30, 1897 833,233 Lorber Oct. 16, 1906 2,073,556 Kivett Mar. 9, 1937 2,342,952 Mart Feb. 29, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 37,132 Sweden Mar. 5, 1912 550,406 Great Britain Jan. 6, 1943 582,449 Great Britain Nov. 18, 1946 717,739 Germany Feb. 21, 1942 

